England cricket: James Anderson focuses on the ‘here and now’ not retirement

Just days after breaking Glenn McGrath’s Test wickets record and seeing his close friend Alastair Cook retire from international cricket, James Anderson says he is not looking too far ahead regarding his own future.

England star Anderson made history this week when he claimed his 564th wicket to become the most successful quick bowler in Test cricket, a record previously held by Australian legend McGrath.

Anderson, 36, continues to top the ICC’s world bowling rankings, The Guardian reports, and after playing a major part in England’s 4-1 series win against India he is now focused on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

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When asked about his future and possible retirement, Anderson told the Guardian: “I don’t really think about it. I play my best when I focus on what’s ahead of me, the next game, the next series, whatever. We have a decent break before Sri Lanka, I’ll try to get myself in the best condition possible to cope with the rigours of bowling seam.

“I read that Glenn McGrath said he went into the 2006 Ashes with no intention of retiring and by the end of it he thought his time was up. That could happen to me. Who knows? Look too far ahead, you take your eye off the here and now. That’s what I like to focus on.”

Broad facing axe for Sri Lanka tour

While Anderson has retained his position as England’s most dangerous weapon, his teammate and regular bowling partner Stuart Broad may miss out on selection for the Sri Lanka tour.

The Daily Mail reports that Broad, 32, could be England’s “highest profile casualty” by being left out of the squad for the Test series in November.

After a disappointing Ashes tour, Broad has remodelled his action and was in “much-improved form this summer”, says the Mail. However, when Ed Smith and the England selectors meet next week to pick the squad they could make the “big move” by dropping Broad.